Nichols Martin
The Department of Defense has awarded ExOne a $1.6 million contract to create a 3D printing facility capable of additively manufacturing replacement and spare parts from metal, ceramic or composite materials while operating in a shipping container.
ExOne said Tuesday it will provide a self-contained 3D printing setup that would allow the military to produce parts based on digital files or 3D scanned equipment in less than 48 hours to cut manufacturing time and lessen costs.
Under the contract from the Defense Logistics Agency, the company will design the binder jet 3D printer as a ruggedized system meant for military use. The award also provides for training and software to help operators use the technology more easily.
John Hartner, CEO of ExOne, said the binder jet technology brings speed, simplified use and material flexibility to manufacturing activities.
Materials engineering provider Dynovas and engineering company Applied Composites will help accelerate the project as ExOne's partners.
